- The Gambia has come under the spotlight following reports of its ship registry being used by vessels involved in transporting sanctioned goods. According to Lloyd’s List, the Iranian tanker Anita, known for shipping oil between Iran and China, recently reflagged to Gambia in December 2024. The vessel, which has changed flags multiple times, is part of a group referred to as the “dark fleet”—ships operating in secrecy to evade regulatory scrutiny.
Since its provisional registration under the Gambian flag in November 2024, Anita has sailed between ports in China and Singapore. The vessel’s ownership is obscured by a web of shell companies, raising questions about compliance and oversight. Another ship, Sands, also switched to The Gambia’s registry in November after being sanctioned by the United States for its involvement in illicit oil shipments.
The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) responded to these allegations by emphasizing its adherence to international maritime regulations. The GMA clarified that provisional registration allows ships to operate temporarily while authorities conduct due diligence on their compliance with safety and environmental standards.
“We granted Anita provisional registration for three months to enable technical surveys. If adverse findings arise during this period, the vessel will be de-flagged,” the GMA explained. They further stated that The Gambia’s growing prominence in the global maritime sector is due to proactive administration and professional oversight.
While Anita remains under scrutiny, the GMA has requested further clarification from the ship’s Iranian owners. In response, the company assured that the vessel would not engage in illegal activities or the transport of prohibited goods. The company reiterated its focus on transporting crude oil between the Middle East and Asia in compliance with international laws.
The International Maritime Organisation plans to address issues related to fraudulent registries and sanctioned ships at its upcoming meeting in April. In the meantime, The Gambia faces challenges in balancing its aspirations for maritime growth with ensuring stringent regulatory practices to prevent exploitation by
the dark fleet.
